A17643:321
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans
A commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, written in Latin by M. John Calvin, and newly translated into English by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessary table for the better and more ready finding out of certain principal matters contained in this workA commentarie vpon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes, written in Latine by M. Iohn Caluin, and newely translated into Englishe by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessarie table for the better and more readie finding out of certayne principall matters conteyned in this worke
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison and George Bishop, 1583London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison and George Bishop, 1583
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Moreover, here we have a notable place, concerning the common use of Sacraments:1 for they are (as Paul witnesseth) seals, whereby both the promises of GOD are after a sort sealed in our hearts, and the certitude of the grace of GOD established. And although they profit nothing by them selves, yet GOD who would have them to be instruments of his grace, doeth make that they want not a secrete grace, and profit in the elect. And although they are unto the reprobate only dead & unprofitable figures, yet they always retain their virtue & nature: for albeit our incredulity deprive us of their effect, yet it shaketh not, neither extinguisheth the trueth of God. Wherefore let us stand sure, that the holy Sacraments are testimonies, wherewithal God sealeth his grace in our hearts. Touching the Sacrament of circumcision this is to be said in particular, therein was a twofold grace represented. GOD promised to Abraham a blessed seed, wherein both he and all the world should hope for health. Hereupon depended that promise: I will be thy GOD.2 Therefore the free reconciliation in GOD was included in that sign: and the analogy or proportion served, that the faithful might respect the promised seed. Again, God required integrity and holiness of life: by the Sacrament he declared how it might be come unto: namely, if in man that be cut off, whatsoever cometh of the flesh, because the whole nature of man is corrupted. By the external sign therefore he admonished Abraham, that he should spiritually circumcise the corruption of his flesh, whereunto also Moses alluded.3 And that he might show it was not the work of man but of God: he would have tender infants circumcised, who for want of years cold not as yet execute that commandment. For, that spiritual circumcision is an effect or work of the celestial power, Moses hath spoken, as you have in Deut: 4The Lord shall circumcise thy heart. The Prophets also afterward declared the very same more clearly.
Moreouer, heere wee haue a notable place, concerning the common vse of Sacramentes:1